Sotheby's International Realty Franchise FDD, Costs & Fees (2026)
Sotheby's International Realty provides luxury real estate services, offering comprehensive support for buying, selling, and investing in high-end properties.
KEY FRANCHISE STATS
Franchisees
?
672
+
0%
0%
Franchise fee
?
$25,000
Investment
?
$47,000 - $519,000
Revenue (AUV)
?
Undisclosed
$0
+
n.a.
n.a.
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Founded in 2004 by the prestigious Sotheby’s auction house, Sotheby’s International Realty quickly emerged as a premier name in luxury real estate, specializing in the sale and marketing of upscale residential properties. The brand was created to bring Sotheby’s tradition of excellence and trusted service into the real estate market.
In 2004, Sotheby’s International Realty formed a strategic alliance with Realogy Holdings Corp., now known as Anywhere Real Estate, Inc. This collaboration launched a global franchise system designed to broaden the brand’s reach and influence.
Through franchising, Sotheby’s International Realty empowers qualified brokerages and individuals to operate under its name, offering them access to extensive operational, marketing, recruiting, education, and business development support.
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The initial investment required for a Sotheby's International Realty franchise is
$47,000 - $519,000.
That is the total cost you would need to finance if you were to start this franchise.
These costs are provided by the franchisor in the Franchise Disclosure Document.
Sotheby’s International Realty provides two standalone office formats in Item 7: Conversion Office and Start-Up Office. Start-Up Offices are available on a limited basis in eligible markets.
Office Format
Initial Investment Range
Conversion Office
$47,250 - $331,950
Start-Up Office
$128,750 - $519,250
The following table presents the estimated expenditures for the Conversion Office format.
For further details concerning the listed costs, refer to the Franchise Disclosure Document (Item 7).
Type of Expenditure
Amount
Initial Franchise Fee
$0 - $25,000
Real Estate
Not included in total
Leasehold Improvements
$0 - $105,000
Building Signs
$750 - $25,000
Yard Signs and Frames/Posts
$6,700 - $12,000
Open House Signs
$900 - $2,500
Miscellaneous Rider Signs
$250 - $500
Name Badges
$500 - $750
Miscellaneous
$250 - $500
Printed Materials
$5,000 - $25,000
Insurance
$500 - $4,000
Legal Expenses
$0 - $4,000
Orientation – Travel Expenses and Costs
$400 - $2,700
Computer Equipment for Electronic Data Transfer System
$6,000 - $12,000
Website
$1,000 - $35,000
MLS/Data Feed Transmission
$0 - $8,000
Additional Launch Expenses (Grand Opening)
$5,000 - $20,000
Interior Branding
$5,000 - $10,000
Additional Funds (first 3 months after opening)
$15,000 - $40,000
Total Estimated Initial Investment
$47,250 - $331,950
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Sotheby’s International Realty provides two standalone office formats in Item 7: Conversion Office and Start-Up Office. Start-Up Offices are available on a limited basis in eligible markets.
Office Format
Initial Investment Range
Conversion Office
$47,250 - $331,950
Start-Up Office
$128,750 - $519,250
The following table presents the estimated expenditures for the Conversion Office format.
For further details concerning the listed costs, refer to the Franchise Disclosure Document (Item 7).
Type of Expenditure
Amount
Initial Franchise Fee
$0 - $25,000
Real Estate
Not included in total
Leasehold Improvements
$0 - $105,000
Building Signs
$750 - $25,000
Yard Signs and Frames/Posts
$6,700 - $12,000
Open House Signs
$900 - $2,500
Miscellaneous Rider Signs
$250 - $500
Name Badges
$500 - $750
Miscellaneous
$250 - $500
Printed Materials
$5,000 - $25,000
Insurance
$500 - $4,000
Legal Expenses
$0 - $4,000
Orientation – Travel Expenses and Costs
$400 - $2,700
Computer Equipment for Electronic Data Transfer System
$6,000 - $12,000
Website
$1,000 - $35,000
MLS/Data Feed Transmission
$0 - $8,000
Additional Launch Expenses (Grand Opening)
$5,000 - $20,000
Interior Branding
$5,000 - $10,000
Additional Funds (first 3 months after opening)
$15,000 - $40,000
Total Estimated Initial Investment
$47,250 - $331,950
Franchise Disclosure Document
Below is Sotheby's International Realty's 2026 Franchise Disclosure Document. Sign up for free to view the document.
Number of units
Sotheby's International Realty had 709 total units in 2026, of which 672 were franchised-owned and 37 company-owned.
Sotheby’s International Realty® franchise system provides the following types of training:
Orientation Program After signing the Franchise Agreement, the Responsible Broker or an agreed-upon individual must attend an Orientation program. This training introduces the franchise System and covers key operational subjects. Orientation is mandatory and can be held either in person or virtually.
Optional Education Courses The Franchisor may offer optional learning programs, courses, seminars, and conferences at various times and locations. Participation in these programs requires payment of course fees, along with travel and living expenses, by the franchisee.
Online Learning Platform The Franchisor makes available an online learning platform featuring various learning materials and resources. These resources are designed to support franchisees and their independent sales associates in operating under the Sotheby’s International Realty® System.
Territory Protection
Sotheby’s International Realty® does not offer exclusive territory protection to its franchisees. Franchisees are allowed to operate only from the Office locations identified in their Franchise Agreement, but they may face competition from other franchisees, company-owned outlets, and other distribution channels owned by the Franchisor.
Although the Franchisor may, at its discretion, grant limited protected areas, these are not guaranteed and must be formally documented. If limited protected areas are granted, they come with specific terms and can be revoked if certain conditions, such as maintaining a required level of gross revenue, are not met.
The Franchisor maintains the right to introduce new franchises even within close proximity unless a specific, written protection agreement is in place. Therefore, franchisees under Sotheby’s International Realty® should not expect automatic or permanent territorial exclusivity.
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